Today on my blog I’m featuring Gary R. Henry, author of American Goddesses. I have been twitter-friends with Gary, who tweets by @LiteraryGary, for several months. I read his book, American Goddesses, and was hooked. I think if you give it a chance, you will like it too. Here’s the blurb from Amazon:

When two small-town women find themselves with nearly unlimited powers of mind and body, their lives get complicated. Things turn nasty as a shadowy organization attempts to use Megan and Trish for their own evil ends, and destroy them, their town and the USA in the process.

Here’s my review, 5/5 stars: When I first saw this book, I didn’t have a lot of interest for the superhero theme, but this book is so much more than “Can (insert name of superhero) save the earth from death and destruction?” What would your life be like if you gained unlimited powers? Would you still have a job, working with people who you worked with before you were indestructible? How would they feel about your bizarre powers? Would you still be married? How would your relationships change? These are all deep questions that none of the superhero movies delve into, especially where the superheros are women. Gary Henry attacks these issues and questions with gusto. I loved seeing the characters grow and become more fully human, even as they had all of these fantastic powers. Well done!

Gary, tell me a little bit about yourself.

I love stories – Seeing, hearing, reading, telling them. In my trail-running club, the Lawrence Trail Hawks, we’re each given a special “hawk name” when we join. You can’t name yourself. The name must be bestowed by others. They called me “Story Hawk.”

This story is different. How did you stumble across this idea?

I’ve always worshiped women. You are like water. Strong and life-sustaining. There’s nothing sweeter when you’re thirsty. Yet water — and women — can also grow angry and violent, and when they do – watch out. AMERICAN GODDESSESS is my love-letter to women. You’ve always seemed mysterious, magical and a little intimidating to me.

Sometimes when you create something different, it’s hard to find a classification for it. Currently, this book is listed under action and adventure, but it also has some romance. Who do you think would like this book?

I originally thought superhero fanboys would be the audience. Surprisingly, at least to me, many middle-aged women have reacted positively to AMERICAN GODDESSES. But I hope anyone who liked a good story will enjoy the tale.

I struggle sometimes when I get inside the head of my male characters. You’re facing the reverse problem, being a man writing from the POV of women characters. How do you get inside your female characters heads?

I read romances authored by women. NO STRINGS ATTACHED by Lily Bishop is on my list, as a matter of fact. I also ask women almost exclusively to beta read for me.

Romances I’ve read – and enjoyed – include THE MERRY GO-ROUND by Donna Fasano and SUMMER WINDS by Wanda P. Smith. Also, THE GOOD DR. GRANT by Karen Einsel, TWIXT by Diane J. Reed and THE SELKIE SPELL by Sophie Moss.

I also try to pay close attention during my interactions with women, including my spouse Karen.

Lily, I hope you will allow me to add how honored I am to be asked on to “Don’t Call Me Sugar.” I love that title. Happy New Year, my dear friend and fellow author. Go Tigers, and see you in the Orange Bowl!

Give me the buy links so I can include them, and a link to whatever else you want to share.